PLANS for on the spot fines to tackle drugs have been given the thumbs down in a poll held in Atherton and Westhoughton.

Conservative politicians' plans to crack down on drug takers by fining them on the spot has been described as "unworkable" by the majority of people canvassed in the two town centres.

And, again, going against Conservative policy, an overwhelming majority believed Cannabis should be legalised.

Concerns over the on the spot fines included not being able to get the money out of those caught.

Sheila Riley, 59, from Hindley Green, said: "I don't think on-the-spot fines would work. I don't think the police would be able to get the money out of them. "

Georgina Morris, from Green Meadows, Westhoughton, and Anna Urmston, 57, from Hollin Acre, Westhoughton, agreed the latter asking: "Who's got £100 on them? "

Compared

Gordon Banks, 46, from Wordsworth Avenue, Atherton, added: "Even if they paid the fine, it would be nothing compared to what they could earn. They would just go out on the streets and supply more."

Pensioner, Doris Aldridge, 81, from Oxford Road agreed, saying: "I don't really think on-the-spot fines would work but I think it's wicked what drug dealers do."

Valerie Swarbick, 51, from Little Hulton, and Steve Cregan, 45, from off Church Street, Westhoughton, highlighted another problem with police not having enough manpower to carry on the spot fines out.

But the proposals did get some support.

Stewart McGuire, 29, from Hag Fold, Atherton, said: ""You see people on the street corners selling drugs to young children. They ought to be arrested and fined on the spot. I've got a four-month-old son of my own and I don't want him to grow up and be approached by drug dealers."

And Vera Medford, 68, from Tyldesley, and Susan Leech, 37, agreed. Susan said: "If people didn't pay the fines, put them in prison."

Support for legalising Cannabis was just as strong, with most shoppers questioned agreeing that it should be made available to aid sick people.

But Steve Cregan said: "I'm not sure about legalising cannabis. It might lead to some people taking some stronger drugs."